Federal, State and Nonprofit Partnership that includes MEDEP Awards $1.2 Million For Conservation Projects

Contact: CONTACT: Jessamine Logan, DEP Director of Communications, jessamine.logan@maine.gov / (207) 287-5842

AUGUSTA ? More than $1.2 million will help public and non-profit groups restore and protect high priority wetlands and other natural resources across Maine.

The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program ? which is administered by The Nature Conservancy in collaboration with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ? announced awards totaling more than $1.2 million to help restore, enhance or preserve wetlands and other important habitats at 12 project sites around the state.

The program provides flexibility for both regulators and the regulated community to choose a fee in lieu of more time-intensive traditional mitigation options. These so-called In Lieu Fees are collected by the Maine DEP and then transferred to the Natural Resource Conservation Fund at The Nature Conservancy.

?I?m excited that this announcement marks the fifth year that the Maine DEP, The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have come together and done great things for Maine?s natural and economic environments. By providing in lieu fees as a mitigation option for developers, we are able to support important environmental enhancements in areas susceptible to development,? said Commissioner Patricia Aho of the Maine DEP. ?This collaboration between regulators and developers reflects our mission to steward our environment and natural resources and ensure a strong and sustainable economy.?

?Five years since this important program began, we?re starting to seeing progress toward conserving Maine?s aquatic resources,? said Alex Mas, who manages the program for The Nature Conservancy in Maine. ?Traditional mitigation projects can often be scattered, small or poorly located; this program allows us to focus wetland mitigation funds in high priority areas to help ensure they continue to provide important benefits for people and for wildlife into the future.

"This program results in outstanding projects to protect and improve aquatic resources throughout Maine. At the same time it provides the regulated public and regulatory agencies a streamlined process to obtain compensatory mitigation for a wide variety of authorized projects," said Colonel Charles Samaris, Commander of the New England District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "I am extremely proud of the collaborative work by federal, state, and non-profit agencies to solicit high quality projects, review them in detail, and make difficult choices to best employ the appropriate and meaningful grants available through the program."

This is the fifth round of awards from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program to advance important land and water conservation around the State:

In Central Maine, the Atlantic Salmon Federation will use $62,000 toward restoring sea-run alewives and other migratory fish to Souadabscook Stream in the Penobscot River watershed by building a fishway on an impassable town owned dam currently blocking the stream. In the Midcoast, with $107,000, the Damariscotta River Association will purchase a 97 acres of a forested tract that connects the Bureau of Public Land?s Dodge Point preserve with the Maine Department of Inland and Fisheries Wildlife Sherman Marsh Wildlife Management Area. This will represent the first significant connection between the Sheepscot and Damariscotta Rivers corridors. In Southern Maine, $136,000 will be used by the Loon Echo Land Trust to purchase and permanently protect approximately 150 acres on the shoreline of Perley Pond and the Northwest River in Sebago.
In the Midcoast, the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust will use $199,5000 to protect an 86 acre property in Georgetown, which is a valuable and critical parcel to the protection of the Morse Pond area. The property connects 325 acres of other KELT properties and creates a new connection between them and Reid State Park. Other 2013 award recipients include: Great Works Regional Land Trust, Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Western Foothills Land Trust.

For more information about the Maine Natural Resource Conservation program, visit http://mnrcp.org/.

-END-

DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Northern Maine on July 15

July 15, 2025

Update:

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (USG) level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

This morning, a dense portion of the smoke plume moved into northern Maine. This plume is expected to linger in the Northern region into Wednesday, with less dense smoke impacting the remainder of the state. Thus, Particle Pollution levels are expected to be in the USG range for the Northern region and Moderate for the remainder of the state. Also on Wednesday, Ozone is expected to be Moderate for the entire coast, Good for inland regions and USG for the High Elevations of Acadia National Park.

By Thursday, the densest portion of the smoke plume should finally move out of Maine, though Moderate levels of Particle Pollution are still likely for most of the state. We cant rule out some hours of Ozone buildup, but storms have the potential to keep ozone levels in the Good range. Thursdays forecast will be updated Wednesday afternoon.

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)' level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

This morning, USG levels of particle pollution are being reported in the Northern region of Maine due to wildfire smoke. Particle pollution values averaged in the USG range just west of Maine in Quebec yesterday. Hourly values in Quebec continue to be in the USG range this morning. Smoke is expected to continue moving into Maine from Quebec as westerly winds become prevalent this afternoon. The remainder of the state is expected to reach the Moderate range.

Currently, the dense portion of the plume should move out on Wednesday, but the smoke is not projected to leave Maine until Thursday. The entire state of Maine is expected to remain in the Moderate range for particle pollution on Wednesday and Thursday. Air quality meteorologists will monitor the situation and update Wednesdays forecast this afternoon.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

DEP has Issued an Air Quality Alert for Maine This Weekend

July 26, 2025

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations have reached the 'Unhealthy' level in the western half of Maine and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups level in the Eastern Interior, Mid-Coast and Downeast Coastal regions according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Overnight, a plume of smoke from wildfires in Canada moved into Maine. It came in much denser than anticipated and particle pollution levels are running in the Unhealthy range for these areas: all of Oxford, Franklin, Androscoggin & Kennebec counties, the southern 2/3 of Somerset County, inland York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc & Lincoln Counties and a narrow band of 1 to 2 towns wide along the coast from Kittery through Reid State Park. In addition, particle pollution levels are running in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range for these areas: Inland Knox, Waldo & Hancock Counties, the southern half of Penobscot and the middle portion of Washington County, a band of coastal towns 2-3 wide from Southport through Gouldsboro and a band of coastal towns 4 wide from Steuben through Eastport.

The smoke plume is expected to continue to move southward during the day and particle pollution levels are expected to decrease during the day, but smoke can be tough to clean out, so air quality will continue to be a health concern for the day especially in the western regions.

On Sunday we are currently expecting the 24-hour average to be Moderate statewide. However, some hours could be higher as that plume wraps around and moves back into Maine. This will be a concern for Augustas Iron Man event. If the forecast for Sunday changes when more information is available Saturday afternoon, a second press release will be issued.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

DEP Issues Extension of Air Quality Alert Until Sunday, July 27

July 26, 2025

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection on Sunday.

The plume of smoke that moved into Maine overnight Friday into Saturday is expected to wrap around and re-enter Maine on Sunday. Given the expected path and the movement of the densest portion of the plume, the forecast is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups for the Southwest Coastal, Western Interior, and Eastern Interior regions. These regions cover the following areas: a narrow band the width of one to two towns along the coast from Kittery through Reid State Park; Inland York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, and Lincoln counties, and all of Androscoggin and Kennebec counties; Inland Knox, Waldo and Hancock counties, the southern half of Penobscot, and the middle portion of Washington County. The less dense portions of the plume also will impact other areas of Maine to a lesser extent so the forecast for the remainder of the state is Moderate.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Impact of Canadian Wildfire Smoke on Air Quality Anticipated in Areas of Maine

August 3, 2025

Today ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach 'Unhealthy levels in the Northern region and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in the Western Mountains and Western Interior regions' according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

A plume of smoke from wildfires in Canada moved into Maine on Saturday. On Sunday a dense portion of the plume is expected to reach the ground in the Northern region: including all of Piscataquis & Aroostook counties, the northern 1/3 of Somerset, the northern half of Penobscot County and the northern half of Washington County.

A moderately dense portion of the plume is expected to impact the western regions: including all of Oxford and Franklin counties and the southern 2/3 of Somerset County; inland portions of York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, and Lincoln counties; and all of Androscoggin and Kennebec counties. Onshore winds develop during the day keeping the remainder of the state from rising above the Moderate range.

The plume is expected to begin to move south through Maine on Monday. Some pockets of moderately dense smoke are possible. It is not likely to clear out of Maine before late Tuesday. There may be a need to extend the alert or add some additional areas so please check the air quality forecast page for the latest updates.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Southwest Coastal Region of Maine

August 12, 2025

Ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Ozone is now expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category this afternoon in the Southwest Coastal region which includes: the width of 1 to 2 towns wide along the coast from Kittery through Reid State Park. At the same time particle pollution levels are continuing to run in the Moderate range due to wildfire smoke lingering in New England.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Wednesday, August 13

August 13, 2025

Ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' level on Wednesday according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Ozone values in the rest of New England have been high for days. Ozone moved further into Maine overnight than expected. As yesterdays ozone plume moves on during the morning hours, ozone values are expected to decrease; however, more ozone is expected to move in and form over the Gulf of Maine today. The entire coast as well as both the Western and Eastern Interior regions are now likely to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. These areas include: all of York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Waldo, Hancock, and Washington counties and the southern half of Penobscot County.

In addition, the Western Mountains & Northern regions are Moderate for ozone. Therefore, all other counties not mentioned above are Moderate for ozone. Meanwhile the entire state is Moderate for particle pollution.

At this time, we believe the alert is for today, but if situations change rapidly another alert could be in effect tomorrow, so please check the Air Quality Forecast webpage tomorrow morning.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, older adults, those who work outdoors, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP Takes Further Action Against Mallinckrodt US LLC/Medtronic for Compliance Issues

October 22, 2025

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a second Notice of Violation (NOV) to Mallinckrodt US LLC/Medtronic related to the lack of meaningful progress remediating the former chloralkali manufacturing facility located along the Penobscot River in Orrington, Maine. Historic operations at that site resulted in a significant amount of contamination to the surrounding soils, groundwaters, and neighboring river. The first NOV was issued by DEP on March 19, 2025.

The DEP has pursued the site's cleanup since 2008 and, under DEP oversight, progress has been achieved remediating the area. In 2008, the DEP issued an Order requiring remediation of all soil contaminated with mercury, chloropicrin, and other contaminants, removal of the industrial sewer, and establishment of financial assurance mechanisms. This was affirmed in the Board of Environmental Protection's (BEP) 2010 Order. However, large areas of soil contaminated by mercury and chloropicrin above the site-specific standard established by order of the Board of Environmental Protection for the protection of public health, safety, and the environment remain on the site unremediated. The industrial sewer has yet to be removed, and Mallinckrodt has failed to establish the required financial assurance mechanism.

Mallinckrodt's response to the DEP's March 19, 2025 NOV was deemed insufficient by the DEP to satisfy the Orders' clear requirements. In accordance with Maine law and this Department's orders, the DEP expects that Mallinckrodt will immediately resume efforts to accomplish site remediation.

The Notice of Violation is available on the DEP Mallinckrodt webpage.

New Restrictions on Mercury-Containing Fluorescent Light Bulbs in Maine

January 21, 2026

Beginning January 1, 2026, consumers and retailers in Maine will no longer be allowed to sell or distribute mercury-containing fluorescent light bulbs. This decision follows the enactment of a ban by the Maine Legislature in 2023, aimed at reducing mercury pollution and protecting public health and the environment.

This legislation prohibits offering for sale, selling, or distributing as a new manufactured product any compact fluorescent mercury-containing light bulb or linear fluorescent mercury-containing light bulb. The ban affects a variety of lighting products, including but not limited to linear fluorescent mercury-containing light bulbs, compact fluorescent mercury-containing light bulbs, as well as black light, high-intensity discharge, ultraviolet, and neon mercury-containing light bulbs.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) urges consumers and retailers to review the details of this new ban. For further information, including answers to frequently asked questions about the effected products, please visit the DEP's website: Recycling Mercury-added Fluorescent and other Lamps, Waste Management, Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

To report concerns or complaints about noncompliance, individuals can contact Courtney Hafner, Environmental Specialist at the Maine DEP, by phone at (207) 314-3354 or via email at courtney.hafner@maine.gov.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

Maine DEP Unveils Findings from Statewide Waste Characterization Study

February 3, 2026

Wetland restoration and improvement projects receive $4.6 million in funding

February 10, 2026

Maine DEP Kicks Off 2026 Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program

February 25, 2026

Maine DEP Highlights Air Quality Awareness Week for Healthier Communities

May 1, 2026

Maine DEP Warns of Elevated Ozone Levels on May 19, 2026

May 18, 2026

Maine Data Center Advisory Council to Convene on June 3

May 20, 2026

Maine DEP Announces Proposed Use of Aquatic Herbicide to Control Invasive Milfoil in Local Lakes

May 27, 2026